Across Harambee Arts' programs, we hear the same words again and again from children, caregivers, participants, and even our own team members:

 

 

For many of the people we walk alongside, life has been marked by poverty, trauma, rejection, stigma, or isolation. They have often been defined by what has happened to them rather than recognized for who they are.

 

Healing begins when someone looks beyond the labels and sees the person underneath.

 

At Harambee Arts, that belief shapes everything we do. Through expressive arts, deep listening, and human connection, we create spaces where people rediscover their voice, their value, and their sense of belonging.

 

Jenipher knows what it feels like to be truly seen.

She spent fifteen years in prison. During that time she lived with fear, anger, grief, and uncertainty. She has said that she lost almost everything—even herself.

 

While participating in a prison support group, she was introduced to Harambee Arts. Through painting, storytelling, movement, and shared meals, she found a safe place to express emotions she had carried for years. More importantly, she encountered people who saw beyond her mistake.

 

After completing her sentence, Jenipher hoped to begin again.

 

Instead, she returned to a world that often saw only her criminal record. Rejection and stigma followed her, and once again she questioned her worth.

 

Then her phone rang.

A member of the Harambee Arts team had found her and invited her to attend a training in Kibera.

 

She said yes.

 

That one invitation changed the direction of her life.

 

After completing the training, Jenipher joined the Harambee Arts team. She found a community that welcomed her with dignity, trusted her gifts, and believed in her future.

Today, Jenipher works with special needs children facing myriad challenges including stigma. As she sits beside them, listens to them, and creates with them, she offers the very gift that transformed her own life.

 

She helps them feel seen.

 

This is how healing spreads.

 

One person is seen.

That person begins to believe in themselves again.

Then they help someone else feel seen.

 

Your generosity makes this possible.

 

Because of your support, children, caregivers, young people, and adults discover safe spaces where hope, healing, and belonging can grow.

 

Together, we can ensure that more people experience the simple message that has the power to change a life:

 

Thank you for the continued support you show us at Harambee Arts. You are making a lasting impact!

- Gloria Simoneaux

As we share this update, Kenya is marking the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 Gen Z protests, a youth-led movement that drew global attention as thousands of young people took to the streets to challenge rising living costs, government policies, and concerns about accountability. The original demonstrations became a defining moment in Kenya's recent history, resulting in significant political changes but also tragic loss of life.

 

This week, memorial gatherings, marches, and demonstrations were held across the country to honor those who lost their lives during the protests. While many events were peaceful acts of remembrance, reports indicate that tensions remained high in some areas, with police deploying tear gas and making arrests as crowds gathered in Nairobi and other cities. Families, faith leaders, and civil society organizations have continued to call for justice, accountability, and healing for those affected by the events of the past two years.

 

As our partners, friends, and communities in Kenya navigate this significant moment, we remain committed to supporting spaces of healing, resilience, creativity, and hope for young people and families.

We are thrilled to share that next year, the IEATA International Conference will be hosted in Nairobi, Kenya! These conferences bring together practitioners, artists, students, and creative leaders from around the world for connection, collaboration, cultural exchange, and professional development through the expressive arts. As an organization deeply rooted in the transformative power of creativity within Kenyan communities, we are filled with excitement to see this global gathering take place in the country we call home.

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